Overview
Our MSc Economics and Finance programme is designed to enrich your expertise and understanding of various aspects in the fields of economics and finance.
This course is well-suited to a range of individuals, such as those who:
- do not have an economics or finance background
- are considering careers in in NGOs, government bodies, financial businesses, trading or consulting
- would like to progress to further academic study in economics and finance
This course will suit you if you’re interested in the following careers:
- investment banking
- financial and economics research
- financial trading
- economist
- financial analyst
- data analyst
We also offer the following courses for candidates with a substantial background in Economics (undergraduate degree in Economics or equivalent):
- MSc Economics
- MSc Economics & Data Science
- MSc Behavioural and Experimental Economics
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
What you will learn:
- how to apply economic knowledge, tools and techniques to analyse economic and financial issues
- how to analyse and understand the interaction between economics and finance developments in the global context
- the role played by key supranational institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Trade Organization (WTO)
Advanced statistical software
Where possible you’ll have access to advanced statistical software including:
Software may include:
- Eviews
- SPSS
- Stata
- Gauss
- MATLAB
- SAS
- Maple
- Minitab
- R
Financial databases
You’ll also have access to financial databases including:
- Bloomberg
- DataStream
- Fame
- Amadeus
- WRDS
- Compustat
- CRSP
- Oriana
- Global Financial Database
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Economics and Finance MSc modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 |
| International Finance | 10 |
| Microeconomic Theory | 10 |
| Macroeconomic Theory | 10 |
| International Trade | 10 |
| Applied Econometrics | 10 |
| Research Methods in Economics and Finance | 10 |
| Introductory Econometrics | 10 |
| Financial Theory | 20 |
| Introduction to Economic Theory | 0 |
| Critical Skills for Finance | 0 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| International Money and Banking | 10 |
| Behavioural Finance | 10 |
| Retail and Investment Banking | 10 |
| Central Banking | 10 |
| Financial Derivatives | 20 |
| Corporate Finance | 10 |
| Portfolio Management | 10 |
How you’ll learn
This course is modular, comprising 180 credits.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Dissertation
- Essay
- PC examination
- Problem-solving exercises
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Additional assessment information
You’ll complete a dissertation which takes the form of an independent data analysis project. This applies advanced econometrics techniques to address the question of interest to you.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
View profiles of the module leaders for this course:
Your development
Professional skills
On completion of this course, you’ll be able to:
- deploy the fundamental and advanced analytical techniques in the area of economics and finance
- critically assess the quality of the results gathered by these techniques
- synthesise and present relevant data, conclusions and recommendations to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
- exercise responsibility and leadership in group projects
- apply knowledge, skills and understanding to complex issues within economics, finance and related industries
You’ll also be able to showcase professional, technical and quantitative skills. These are highly valued in the private sector.
If you’re pursuing a career in research institutions or central banks you’ll be able to gain preliminary training.
Professional development
You’ll benefit from our status as a Bloomberg Experiential Learning Partner. Through self-study, you’ll complete the Bloomberg Market Concepts certificate. This gives you an interactive introduction to the financial markets.
You’ll be able to take part in a live financial trading simulation. This is delivered jointly with CFA annual global investment challenge
You’ll gain insights into different roles in the financial industry and boost your employability.
Study abroad
Experience another culture, improve your language skills and enhance your global graduate outcomes. This course enables you to take a non-credit bearing exchange opportunity at an international partner university. This can last for up to five months and takes place at the end of your course.
Your future
Graduate destinations
Graduates from this course have undertaken various roles, including:
- data analyst
- planning analyst
- principal economist
- auditor
- corporate finance and research analyst
- broker
- senior Financial Analyst
- PhD candidate
Careers
This course prepares you for a wide range of careers with employers, such as:
- PwC
- Bloomberg
- Brewin Dolphin
- HM Revenue and Customs
- Handelsbanken
- CLP Insurance Brokers
- Fitch Ratings
- Shanghai Greatwisdom Co. Ltd
- Experian PLC
- Siemens AG
Guest lectures
Practitioners from the world of finance and business give guest lectures every year. This provides an insight into career paths and job roles. You’ll interact with these experts to:
- identify career opportunities
- develop strategies on how to progress in your career
Networking opportunities
Throughout the academic year we also hold many events on campus that you are welcome to join. Events are topical and provide great opportunities for you to network with:
- national and multinational organisations
- alumni
- peers
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Accounting and Finance – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
Newcastle University Business School accreditation
Newcastle University Business School is accredited by the:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
- Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Only 1% of business schools worldwide hold this triple crown. Our accreditations reflect the investments we make for our students through providing a high quality teaching environment, innovative programming and active engagement with industry.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 3,500 students representing over 80 nationalities. This valuable network extends beyond our current students to include:
- regional, national and international leaders
- over 34,000 alumni in our network, spanning over 150 countries
- leading professionals and practitioners from industry
The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix – an innovation hub and community that brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers.
Our facilities include:
- flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city
- Wi-Fi enabled connectivity throughout the building, including three computer clusters housing over 120 PCs
- four large lecture theatres and over 25 seminar and teaching spaces, providing comfortable teaching and group study space
- dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a balanced mix of study space for group work or quiet, individual study
- contemporary café
- employability hub to support your career aspirations
- Bloomberg Room to give you a real feel for the trading room floor
- Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
The Frederick Douglass Centre at Newcastle Helix also offers further study and learning spaces. This includes a 750 seat auditorium – the largest in the University.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent. Your transcripts need to show an understanding of:
- basic calculus
- probability theory
- statistical inference
You can use your personal statement to show your mathematical knowledge if it is not clear from your transcripts.
